Shopping spree signals preparations for Toys for Tots

Together with various government offices, the Lady Diann Torres Foundation takes the lead in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

First lady Diann Torres and Marines from the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz have begun the Christmas holiday spirit with a shopping spree in preparation for this year›s Toys for Tots distribution on Dec. 16. 

“This is one of the many charitable programs that I strongly support and I am excited that this year’s campaign has begun,” said Torres. “The holiday season is a time that our community members come together and support worthy causes such as the annual Toys for Tots Campaign and I look forward to another successful year bringing joy to our children.” 

U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Diann Rosenfeld, who is the Toys for Tots lead coordinator for Guam and the CNMI, is thankful for the continued partnership with the CNMI community.

“We are proud to be a supporter of the CNMI and the relationship the Toys for Tots Foundation has built with the community,” said Rosenfeld. “Each year our goal is to make a difference in a child’s life and it’s the supporters of Toys for Tots who make that possible.”

Together with various government offices, the Lady Diann Torres Foundation takes the lead in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign, in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz. 

The campaign started strong in 2019 with over 2,100 toys collected and distributed on all three islands. While the pandemic environment presented challenges, the Toys for Tots Campaign in the CNMI successfully distributed 3,500 toys in 2020 and 3,602 in 2021 to children on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

To donate to the campaign, newly purchased, unwrapped toys may be delivered to any of the following drop-off locations:
■ Lady Diann Torres Foundation: (670) 284-3970 
■ Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs: (670) 483-1812
■ CNMI Women’s Affairs Office: (670) 783-5477 
The drive-thru distribution of toys will be at the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022, beginning at 6pm until supplies last.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit charity with a 75-year history. Last year the Marine Toys for Tots Program fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 8.8 million less fortunate children in over 800 communities nationwide by distributing 22.4 million toys. Since 1947 over 289 million children have been assisted and 627 million toys distributed. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org. (PR)